POP KIDS

Throwing it back to 2016 when I transformed the boys into U.K.'s great British export, the Pet Shop Boys Neil Tennent and Chris Lowe at the Super tour. 

diy pineapple costume

This was seriously the easiest costume I've ever made.  I didn't spend one penny.  And I didn't need to take ten trips to Michael's.  I had all the supplies at home: grocery bag, construction paper, and a headband.

diy ramen costume + green tea hat

Last year a monstrous child size AT-AT, a.k.a Imperial Walker came trick-or-treating at our door step on all fours. And I went, "WHAT THAAA!!!!" I was in awe and envy that this mommy neighbor could attempt such greatness.  Yes, I had a mommy crush for a while.  But it was this kind of inspiration I needed to create my own version of a mini WHAT THAAA!!! in my diy ramen costume.

diy body parts halloween treats

Donating your body parts to your classroom friends...now that's the true meaning of Halloween.

Portia + video

It's only been a couple years since this simple girl(me!), who usually likes straight-forward, basic functionalities, has owned a Windows smartphone.  David had insisted on getting rid of my dumb phone due to it's low-end capabilities.  I like low-end capabilities.  I'm just now finally getting the hang of doing things I consider fancy - syncing, sharing, uploading.

TMNT Valentine's Day cards

You have a PIZZA my heart, Valentine! Corny or clever? I love puns and all the different ways you can incorporate little cute snacks or foods into a catch phrase.

Halloween popcorn treats

(I meant to post this last week.  That's my blog life for you.)

Presley was really excited for my Halloween class treats this year!

Superhero teachers treats

The boys had probably THEE best summer school session ever.  Five weeks flew by but what they learned in that short time was packed with creative art, tons of history, hands-on-science, and fun Math (that makes sense). Here's an easy farewell, appreciation treat I made for Truman and Presley's teachers to say thank you for keeping them excited, engaged, and eager to learn.

Heroic trio

It's the last week of school with just a birthday party to go.  Presley's friend's Deacon and Sean we're having a combined super hero birthday party.  Once again, I had absolutely all this energy and free time because raising three kids is such a cinch especially while the school year is wrapping up when there is nothing going on...right!!??

Give KINDness

David has been snacking on KIND bars for a while now.  He turned me on to them so naturally we keep our adult cabinet pretty stocked.  

It gave me the idea to pass these out to teachers (computer, science, P.E., aids, and assistants) I wanted to thank but didn't have it in my end-of-the-year budget after buying presents for the homeroom teachers.

diy mini starbucks hat

After years of seeing creative moms craft on Crazy Hat Day, I feel proud to stand beside them in honor of Portia's last year of preschool.  I wasn't going to make the same excuse again that "I didn't have/make time".  Her mini Starbucks hat was really easy to make and if I can pull it off during our morning rush of making lunches, toasting bread, and packing backpacks anyone can! 

Portia calls her drink "Mochaccino Frappiccino"!

Messy play

Lately, I've been working on my OCD of all things messy art.  I detest the clean up more than anything. But the kids have been glittering and gluing and even playing play-doh INSIDE the home. I even bought Presley a new art easel.  So what if it's from last Christmas and still in the box! I do plan on putting it together as soon as I buy the paint set and brushes. Scouts honor. 

Nail polish favors

Red mani/pedi brought to you in a mini Essie bottle...what's a girl not to love??!!

diy heart cork coasters

I love anything that's custom-made or personalized.  It always feels special in a "had you in mind" kind of way.  For Bianca's bridal shower I made some personalized cork coasters in place of traditional place cards.  This was an easy DIY project which only took a little over an hour.

You make my heart pop

Staying true to my 2015 resolution to stop procrastinating, my Valentine mini microwave popcorn bags are done (early for a change)!! 

Love is in the air

 ...twice.  Ooops!

Here are Portia's Valentine's Day photo cards from 2013 (left) and 2015 (right).  I LOVE this years raining heart droplets template I found.  I didn't even think about when I used the same slogan in 2013! I've always done photo grams for a more personal touch since the preschool doesn't allow candy, stickers, or trinkets.

I already printed out 16 for her classmates.  What a waste of ink and paper to start from scratch. Don't cha think!!??

Happy Valentine's Day!

Gardening through winter

Two things happen when the new year starts.  Winter and I break up while spring and I start a love affair.  I'm dreaming about the new plants I'm going to buy and estimate how long I can keep them alive. When you've got 75 degree weather gardening through winter is possible.  It was our first time at Green Arrow Nursery

DIY mini cereal box Halloween treats

Since I don't throw big birthday parties for the kids anymore, I jump at the chance to make favors anytime I can.  This year third graders are getting Cereal Killer Halloween favors!

Four weeks of art

O.K., it was really supposed to be six weeks of art.  Presley missed one class because he was at Legoland. And the other landed on the first day of school.  The community center offers creative and fun classes at affordable prices that you don't feel so bad when you miss one or two.

Appetite for headbands

I'm not crafty.  I don't sew.  I don't scrapbook.  But I do headbands (lately).